Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental surgery to extract the third molars that grow at the back of the mouth. It is advised to take proper rest and care after the surgery to accelerate the healing process. With fitness enthusiasts, the question often arises, “When can I workout after wisdom teeth removal?” As your oral health is equally important as physical fitness, this article will cover some important fitness tips you need to follow post-surgery.
Understanding the healing process
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure, and like all surgeries, it requires time to heal. Generally, it would take a week or two for the swelling and irritation to subside so that you can resume your exercise routine. After the surgery, your body would focus all its energy towards healing the surgical site, hence making it challenging for you to indulge in any strenuous activity. Additionally, while exercising, increased blood flow can cause bleeding, swelling, and irritation, thereby delaying the healing process.
What to expect after surgery?
Post-surgery, the first 24-48 hours, you will experience swelling, discomfort, and slight bleeding. Additionally, you will have limited jaw movement, and talking or eating can be difficult. You will need ample rest and avoid any activity that risks your oral health or causes any physical stress. It is normal to feel lethargic and unable to perform any physical activity in this period.
Day 1-2
It would help if you took complete rest on the first day and avoid any physical activity. Day 2 is marked by an increase in discomfort, and you can start with walking or light stretching exercises to improve blood flow. However, make sure you don’t exert yourself. Put ice packs on your cheeks to relieve pain and swelling.
Day 3-4
By this time, you will start feeling better, and the swelling will gradually reduce. You can do some low-impact exercises like cardio, such as jogging or cycling. It would be best if you avoided any strenuous exercise or lifting heavyweights.
Day 5-6
You can resume your exercise routine on day 5-6, focusing only on light exercises like yoga, stretching, or walking. You can also do some upper-body workouts, but make sure you don’t lift heavyweights that can put pressure on your jaw or increase blood flow to the surgical site.
Day 7 and after
If you have recovered well without any complications, you can resume your workout routine. However, you should still avoid any high-intensity workouts that can cause irritation, swelling, or bleeding. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself beyond the limit. Take ample breaks and drink lots of water to avoid any dehydration.
Fitness tips to follow after wisdom teeth removal
1. Plan your workout routine accordingly
It is essential to plan your exercise routine post-surgery, keeping in mind your oral health. It would be best if you had a proper recovery plan that gradually increases your workout intensity and will minimize the risk of any complications. It would be best if you consulted your dentist or doctor before resuming any physical activity.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential for post-surgery recovery. It will keep you hydrated and help flush out any toxins from your body. It is also advisable to avoid carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, or alcohol as it can delay your healing process.
3. Don’t skip your medications
Your doctor may prescribe some pain killers or antibiotics for faster healing. It is essential to be regular with your medication and take them as prescribed by the doctor. Delaying or skipping your medication can cause complications and slow down your recovery process.
4. Maintain oral hygiene
Brush your teeth and tongue gently, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and use antiseptic mouthwash to get rid of any bacteria or germs that can cause infection or further complications.
5. Avoid smoking or tobacco consumption
Smoking can hinder your healing process and cause problems in your gums or teeth. Additionally, it can cause bleeding, swelling, or infection, making it difficult to follow through with your workout routine.
6. Eat a balanced diet
Focus on a protein-rich diet and avoid any hard, crispy, or spicy foods that can irritate your gums, cause bleeding, or dislodge blood clots, causing further complications. It will help if you opt for soft foods, soups, juices, and smoothies that are rich in nutrients and help in faster recovery.
Conclusion
After wisdom teeth removal, your body requires ample time to heal, and resuming any physical activity should be done only after consulting your doctor. Fitness enthusiasts should keep in mind that exercising too early after surgery can hinder the healing process and cause complications. Make sure you follow proper oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and take plenty of rest to get back on your feet soon.
The frequently asked questions
- How long should I wait to start exercising after wisdom teeth removal?
- What kind of exercise can I do after wisdom teeth removal?
- How long does it take to heal after wisdom teeth removal?
- Can I lift weights after wisdom teeth removal?
You should wait for at least a week or two post-surgery to start exercising, and make sure you consult your doctor before resuming any physical activity.
You can do light exercises like walking, stretching, and yoga before resuming your full workout routine.
It can take from a week to ten days for post-surgery symptoms like swelling and discomfort to subside. However, complete healing can take up to a few weeks.
It is advisable to avoid any weight lifting or strenuous exercise at least for two weeks after surgery. After that, you can gradually increase your workout intensity but make sure you listen to your body and avoid putting pressure on your jaw.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-teeth-removal/recovery/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322870#exercise-after-wisdom-teeth-removal